Separation Anxiety in Pets: Understanding, Treating, and Coping

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue observed in pets, particularly dogs and cats. It manifests when pets become overly attached or dependent on their owners and experience distress in their absence. This distress can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking or meowing, and even self-harm in severe cases. Understanding the root causes, identifying the symptoms, and implementing effective treatments are crucial for the well-being of both the pet and the owner.

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Pets

Root Causes: Separation anxiety can stem from various reasons. A sudden change in the owner's routine, a traumatic event, or even a change in residence can trigger this condition. Puppies or kittens that were weaned off too early or those that have faced prolonged periods of isolation are more prone to develop separation anxiety.

Symptoms: Common signs include: 

•    - Destructive behavior like chewing furniture or shoes.
•    - Excessive barking, howling, or meowing.
•    - Pacing in a fixed pattern or path.
•    - Attempting to escape from the house or confinement area.
•    - Urinating or defecating indoors.
•    - Excessive salivation or drooling.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Gradual Desensitization: Start by leaving your pet alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration. This helps them get used to your absence without getting anxious.

Interactive Toys: Invest in toys that stimulate your pet's mind and keep them occupied. Puzzle toys or toys that dispense treats can be particularly effective.

There are so many wonderful interactive toys available on Amazon, so don't hesitate to explore and maybe purchase a few for your pet.

Safe Space: Create a designated 'safe space' for your pet. This could be a particular room or a corner with their favorite

Avoiding Overstimulation: When leaving or returning home, try to keep your greetings calm and low-key. Overexcited departures or arrivals can exacerbate feelings of anxiety for your pet.

Consistent Routine: Pets thrive on routine. Feeding, walking, playtime, and bedtime should be consistent. This predictability can help reduce anxiety.

Training: Basic obedience training can instill confidence in your pet. Commands like 'sit', 'stay', and 'down' can distract them from anxious behaviors and give them a sense of purpose.

Ways to Treat Separation Anxiety

Professional Training: If the anxiety is severe, consider hiring a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in separation anxiety. They can provide tailored strategies and solutions.

There is a wonderful online program called Brain Training For Dogs that you might want to consider to help you deal with this issue.  This program specifically aims to stimulate your pet and help him learn how to self-soothe. If interested, please check it out (this is an affiliate link, but it does not cost you any extra money.  I simply get a few dollars if you purchase it.)

Medication: In extreme cases, and under the guidance of a veterinarian, certain medications can be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as massage therapy, aromatherapy with calming essential oils, and even calming wraps or shirts can be beneficial for some pets.

Coping with the Aftermath

Patience is Key: Understand that overcoming separation anxiety is a process. Celebrate small victories and be patient with setbacks.

Stay Informed: Continuously educate yourself about separation anxiety. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to handle it.

Seek Support: Join pet owner groups or forums where you can share experiences and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.

Damage Control: If your pet has been destructive due to their anxiety, ensure they are safe from any harmful substances or sharp objects. Consider pet-proofing certain areas of your home.

Separation anxiety in pets is a challenging issue, but with understanding, patience, and the right strategies, it can be managed. Remember, your pet's well-being is intertwined with your own. By addressing their anxiety, you not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen the bond you share with them.

Common Behavioral Problems in Pets

Our shelters and rescues are full to the brim with pets in need of good, loving homes.  Most of the animals in these places are there because of "behavioral problems" according to previous owners.  Many of these animals just never were taught what was expected of them and then it became their fault that they misbehaved.  If you plan to adopt a pet, please understand that most animals have not ever lived in a home with people before, so it is a new and scary experience for them.  Unless you show them what is expected of them, they have to learn by trial and error.

Unfortunately, when they have to learn on their own, the owners get frustrated and unhappy; they usually then take them back to the shelter because they are "problems" in their lives. 

Pets are a lifetime commitment.  Do not get a pet unless you are willing to see that pet through to the end of its life.  Do not get a pet is you are too busy to train that pet to behave properly. Do not get a pet if your standards are so high that the pet will never be good enough.

Getting a pet can be an immensely rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Cats and dogs, while lovable and loyal companions, can exhibit various behavioral issues that may disrupt harmony within the household. Understanding the underlying reasons behind these problems and employing effective solutions can create an environment for both you that is happy and safe. In this blog post, we will explore the most common behavioral problems in cats and dogs and provide practical tips to address and rectify them.

Behavioral Problems:

1. Separation Anxiety: Separation anxiety is a condition where pets become distressed and agitated when separated from their owners.

Cats: Some signs include excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, and inappropriate urination or defecation.

Dogs: Dogs may exhibit excessive barking, destructive chewing, and attempts to escape when left alone.

Solution: Gradually acclimate your pets to alone time, provide engaging toys or treats, and consider behavioral training or seeking professional help.

2. Aggression: Aggressive behavior can manifest in both cats and dogs due to fear, territorial instincts, or past negative experiences.

Cats: Aggression in cats may involve hissing, scratching, or biting.

Dogs: Aggressive dogs may growl, snap, or lunge towards people or other animals.

Solution: Identifying triggers and avoiding them where possible, socializing pets from a young age, and implementing positive reinforcement training can help manage aggression.

3. Destructive Chewing/Scratching: Pets, especially dogs and cats in their teething phase, may exhibit destructive tendencies by chewing furniture, shoes, or scratching household items.

Solution: Provide appropriate chew toys and scratching posts, discourage negative behavior by using deterrent sprays, and keep tempting items out of reach.

4. Excessive Barking/Meowing: Dogs and cats communicate through vocalization, but excessive barking or meowing can be disruptive and problematic.

Solution: Identify the cause of excessive vocalization, such as boredom or attention-seeking, and address it accordingly. Engage pets in interactive play and reward quiet behavior.

5. Inappropriate Elimination: Pets may urinate or defecate outside their designated areas, causing frustration and mess.

Solution: Rule out medical issues first, ensure a clean litter box or regular outdoor bathroom breaks, and use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate elimination behavior.

6. Pulling on the Leash: Dogs often pull on the leash during walks, leading to discomfort and potential injuries.

Solution: Train dogs to walk calmly on a leash using positive reinforcement techniques and consider using no-pull harnesses.

7. Jumping on People: Overexcited dogs may jump on people, leading to potential accidents and discomfort.

Solution: Teach dogs to greet people politely using obedience training and reward-based techniques.

8. Fear of Loud Noises: Cats and dogs can develop phobias of loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks.

Solution: Create a safe space for pets during noisy events, use white noise or calming music, and consult with a veterinarian for anti-anxiety medications if necessary.

9. Begging for Food: Pets may beg for food during mealtime, leading to potential overfeeding or unhealthy eating habits.

Solution: Establish a consistent feeding schedule, avoid rewarding begging behavior, and offer healthy treats in moderation.

10. Chasing or Pouncing Behavior: Cats' innate hunting instincts may cause them to chase or pounce on moving objects, including household members.

Solution: Provide interactive toys that mimic prey, engage in play sessions, and avoid encouraging rough play.

All of these issues can be stopped using a training program to help overcome your pets negative behaviors.  Online training programs are effective when done regularly and can make your pet a wonderful companion.  I recommend you start by trying this program: Brain Training For Dogs because she uses positive reinforcement and games to teach your pet good behavior.  It make the training time fun for both of you. She offers a free game called, "The Airplane Game" that you can get at this link. This is an affiliate link, and if you decide to try this program out, I will get a small fee.  You do not pay any extra as this company will pay me for advertising for them.

Addressing behavioral problems in cats and dogs is essential for fostering a happy and well-adjusted pet-owner relationship. By recognizing the root causes behind these issues and implementing appropriate training techniques, you can create a positive environment where your pets can thrive. Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key elements in overcoming behavioral challenges and ensuring a harmonious coexistence with your beloved furry companions.

Pet owner Mistakes and how to Fix them

 You get a pet and have the best of intentions.  You want to love and care for your pet, but maybe sometimes you forget that dogs and cats (as well as other pets) are very different from humans.  They do not speak your language and must be taught what things mean. Here are some of the mistakes we all make at times with our pets:

Not making sure your pet is properly socialized-

When left with their mothers, most dogs and cats are exposed to others of their breed, whether their litter mates, or just others around them.  They learn the rules of being the kind of animal they are from this experience.  When they are removed from their mothers early, as most are, they miss this experience.  They then are confused about who they are and what they are supposed to do.

You don't know enough about what your pet needs for health-

Dogs are omnivores and can eat both meat and plant based food.  There are, however, many things that are toxic for dogs like onions, chocolate and more.  It is your responsibility to learn about what your dog can and cannot eat.  You also should talk with your vet about what the optimal weight is for your dog and learn the proper proportions to feed. Feeding table scraps, while it seems okay, can cause your dog upset stomach due to the seasonings, fat content, and any sauces added.  Dogs need food plain, not drenched in sauce.

Cats are carnivores.  They eat meat.  This is the type of diet they are genetically predisposed to eat.  Feeding your cat vegetables seems normal, but actually cats cannot digest any plant based food, so it may cause upset stomach and diarrhea. As a cat owner, you should talk with your vet about optimal weight for your pet and proper amounts to feed.  Cats fed too much or fed incorrectly have a predisposition to develop diabetes and they also can develop kidney stones due to lack of running water.  Cats much prefer moving water to drink, so a bowl of stale water is unappealing to them and they may not take in enough fluid.

You don't spay or neuter your pet-

There is some type of mind-set in our society that removing reproductive abilities for pets is harmful or cruel.  Actually, the opposite is true.  Spaying or neutering your pet causes no long term harm and research shows that doing this can extend the life of your pet. It is not cruel to prevent a dog or cat from having one litter after another, which causes the female animal a great deal of distress and diminishes her ability to stay healthy.  Not to mention the overpopulation problem we are faced with today.  Contrary to popular thought, pets don't have to have at least one litter to be happy.  So, please spay or neuter your pet.

You don't give your pet enough attention-

You get a pet and enjoy spending time with it until you have other things more important to do.  Unfortunately, to your pet, you are their world and they do not have more important things to do.  Pets require attention on a regular basis, whether grooming, feeding, playing with them, or walking them; they deserve your attention and your time.  When you ignore them and leave them to their own devices, you invite trouble.  This is when they become destructive or they become very needy.  You are their whole world and they expect you to spend some of your time focused solely on them.  One of the problems with lack of time is lack of exercise for them.  As I covered earlier, weight management is as important for your pets as it is for yourself.  If you don't give your pet enough exercise, they become lazy and fat which leads to major health issues.

You don't learn how to read your pet's body language-

Your pets speak and it is up to us to learn their language just as we expect them to understand some of ours.  Dogs give cues to how they feel and what they are thinking.  Unfortunately, we don't always listen or pay attention to what they are trying to tell us.  Therefore, there are sometimes unfortunate but preventable accidents. People get bit every day by "friendly" dogs simply because they cannot distinguish between a tail wag and a tail flag. Take the time to learn what your pet is telling you because your pet is having to learn what you are saying, too.

You don't have a disaster plan for your pets-

No one wants to think about being in a disaster, but the truth is that there is always the possibility that you may experience one.  I live in Oklahoma, so we are all watching the skies for signs of tornadoes.  People all over experience traumatic events like mud slides, sink holes, flooding, fires, and other emergency situations. When making your family's disaster plan, don't forget to include your pets.  They will not be able to fend for themselves without you.  Make a plan and make sure everyone knows what it is.

These are just a few of the mistakes we often make when we get a pet.  All of us are guilty of one or more of these.  Our pets expect us to take the lead and keep them safe and healthy.  Don't let them down.

You can read more about this issue here.